News
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Code of conduct for planning commissioners and zoning board of appeals members
Published on November 7, 2019
Use of a code of conduct/oath of office is recommended for planning commissioner and zoning board of appeals members. It helps underscore a person’s role, expected behavior, and differences between elected officials and members of administrative bodies. -
Preparation, deliberation and documentation are key to effective government meetings
Published on November 6, 2019
Public planning and zoning meetings go better when each member actively engages in preparation, deliberation, and documentation. These activities occur before the meeting starts and continue for the duration of the meeting. -
Not all public participation events are charrettes
Published on November 6, 2019
Charrette is a very specific type of public involvement system for design and planning projects. Do not be fooled by people calling every public participation event a charrette. -
Is civics education sinking in?
Published on October 11, 2019
Hands-on settings can enhance civic education for American youth. -
Ensuring public participation in meetings takes work and organization
Published on October 8, 2019
Meaningful public participation requires some very basic communication skills. Remember the key components of planning effective meetings. -
Civic discussions with youth: Graduation requirements
Published on May 31, 2019
Who should decide what classes high school students need to take? -
Civic discussions with youth: The gas tax
Published on May 30, 2019
What is a reasonable amount to pay for roads? Who should pay it? -
Urban & Regional Planning junior Najma Muhammad receives Network for Global Civic Engagement Fellowship
Published on February 20, 2019
Najma Muhammad, a junior majoring in urban and regional planning at the MSU School of Planning, Design and Construction, received the Network for Global Civic Engagement Fellowship. -
What good is a lobbyist?
Published on February 15, 2019
Many people here the word “lobbyist” and think of dirty deals being made in the halls of Lansing or Washington, D.C. Is that true? Has a lobbyist ever done anything good for you? -
County government as conveners
Published on February 8, 2019
Local government strategies for collaboration.